IDLES delivered one of their best performances yet at their sold-out show at Manchester’s O2 Ritz. The night was charged with an intense energy, as the floor beneath the crowd seemed to bounce with everyone losing themselves in the music.
The night kicked off with the only support act, Heavy Lungs, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. From the moment they took the stage, it was clear that something different was in store. Frontman Danny Nedelko brought an infectious energy, laughing, shouting, and dancing throughout their set. Despite being relatively new to the scene, Heavy Lungs already had a strong following, and they certainly lived up to the hype.
As I stood at the side of the stage, I watched members of IDLES casually interact with the audience before their set. Frontman Joe Talbot even stopped to take pictures with fans. This casual interaction felt emblematic of the band—different, down-to-earth, and genuinely connected to their fanbase.
When the lights dimmed and the room went black, the anticipation became electric. Fans screamed, spilling over the barriers as they eagerly awaited IDLES’ arrival. As the band took the stage, kicking off with “Colossus” from their latest album, “Joy As An Act Of Resistance”, the energy in the room was palpable. The slow buildup of the opening track was purposefully designed to conserve the audience’s energy for what was to come, and when the tempo picked up, the crowd exploded. Fans shouted every lyric, raised their arms, and danced with reckless abandon. The entire set was a whirlwind of energy, with fans flying over the barriers and quickly being pushed back by security. The crowd’s determination to match IDLES’ intensity was incredible—and they succeeded.
Throughout the night, Joe Talbot expressed his love for Manchester and dedicated songs to influences like Cabbage. He also highlighted the band’s commitment to creating a safe space for everyone, giving a special shoutout to the Safe Gigs For Women campaign at the merch stand. His heartfelt message resonated with the crowd, who, at his request, hugged the person next to them, creating a sense of unity.
One of the standout moments of the night was the performance of “Danny Nedelko”, a song dedicated to the Heavy Lungs frontman, followed by several tracks from their debut album “Brutalism”. The set also included a humorous rendition of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You”, complete with frontman Bowen pulling signature faces and the band dancing along. The audience even had the chance to join the band on stage, adding to the unforgettable atmosphere. The dim lighting throughout both Heavy Lungs and IDLES’ sets maintained the intense, edgy vibe that kept the crowd on their toes.
IDLES are rapidly breaking out of the underground, and it’s well-deserved. Though their music may be loud and aggressive, their lyrics are heartfelt and meaningful, and their live performances bring those emotions to life. With each band member contributing to the raw intensity of the show, it’s clear that IDLES are destined to reach even larger audiences in the years to come.
